ANDY SCOTT insists he did not panic into appointing Terry Bullivant as his assistant during Brentford's recent slide in form.

Bullivant came in as boss Scott's right-hand man on Tuesday, just days after the Bees had ended their four-game losing streak with victory over Macclesfield.

But Scott, who had previously said he would not bring in a number two until the end of the season, made clear he simply changed his mind and did not rush into an appointment when the defeats started racking up.

He said: "Terry is someone I've been speaking to for about two months now. I've always felt he is somebody who I would benefit from and who would compliment me well.

"He's watched the last few matches from the stands aware that I wanted to bring him in at some point, and now just felt right.

"I know what I said before about waiting for an appointment. But at that point we were on a good run and I thought another voice in the dressing room would have just put things out of kilter.

"But now I feel a fresh voice will freshen things up. Terry's only been here a few days, but it already feels like we've been together a long time."

News of Bullivant's second return to Griffin Park was greeted with delight by Brentford fans.

The former Bees midfielder arrived at Brentford in the early 1980s at the end of a career which had taken him to Fulham, Aston Villa and Charlton.

The 51-year-old, who has had spells in charge of Reading, Crystal Palace and Barnet, was also one third of Ron Noades' 'holy trinity' Griffin Park coaching team at the turn of the century, alongside Ray Lewington and Brian Sparrow.

One who played under Bullivant at Brentford back then, and has clearly not forgotten his influence, is a certain Andy Scott.

Scott said: "Terry is one of the best coaches I have worked with.

"His personality and philosophy of the way the game should be played will certainly fit in with the squad.

"He is very experienced and has excellent contacts in the world of football. We're delighted to have him on board."

Bullivant, who made 51 appearances for the Bees between 1983-1986, scoring two goals, had most recently been scouting for Everton.